SAMANTHA CLAIRE CAYONA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHRISTIAN ANG DANIEL DAVE GOMEZ ASSOCIATE EDITOR PUTRI JIHADAH ZACARIA GWYNETH ELOISE ROJAS MANAGING EDITOR JASMINE JOYCE MAMAWAL NEWS EDITOR MARIEBELLA ANNIKA QUESTO FEATURE EDITOR JAMAICA SOFIA NEIS LITERARY EDITOR LUTHER JAMES OLACO ART EDITOR JOSIAH DAVID BANGKAS ANNA MARIE LAMATA SENIOR NEWS STAFF
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For this school year, Ateneo Senior High School takes on a milestone as it celebrates Christ the King Fiesta at its new campus. Along with this event births a significant symbol of unity as both grade levels come together for the first time in the historic senior high school campus. In light with this, the celebration marks not only history but also an exceptional leap as it fuses multiple advocacies with each of its activity, bringing with it the real essence of Christ the King -- service. The fiesta this year carries an emphasis on building a connection between service, the ultimate manifestation of God’s goodness, for the sought after fortitude of arts and culture. In this issue of the Blue Bridge, we offer to relive the fiesta’s moments and more importantly, highlight advocacies featured by the participants and the purpose behind each event. By the end of this magazine, the publication opts to leave a mark on how celebrations can not only be executed for expression and gratitude but also for a greater purpose of serving the society, art and the community outside Ateneo. As it brings forth the colors of traditional and modern art, we are reminded of our responsibility of carrying along with progress, the spirit of culture and arts for it defines our identity as Mindanaoans and as Filipinos. It is the vision of the Ateneo community and the publication to rightfully celebrate diversity, differences and talents that serve both communities inside and outside the campus. As time challenges us to keep up, the gifts of skills and entertainment allow us to revive the nearly forgotten traces of our colourful past and the greater need to address the lack of awareness. Indeed, it is through small acts that we create a huge impact. For the arts and culture, for Ateneo and for the greater glory of God.
SAMANTHA CLAIRE G. CAYONA Editor-in-Chief
editor’s note
“
The flick of a finger, the raise of a hand, and the stomp of a foot are never a big deal unless given a meaningful purpose.
Artists from the eight clusters convene to create their own banners displaying both their creativity and their care for the society through the fusion of arts and advocacies.
It’s that time of the year again! Just as the two-week semestral break ended, the thoughts of Ateneans had gone onto another week of no regular classes. Yet, with limited time and changes made, how did the learners geared up? With the theme “Christ the King: Our inspiration of faith and service in enriching arts and culture,” the annual celebration has come to its third time for senior high. Like the former fiestas, mixed emotions were poured out during the preparation. Some let out sighs of worry for their pockets and practices while others remained eager and excited. Meanwhile, the greater anticipation of this year’s fiesta goes to the first ever face-off of both levels in the newly-built Bangkal campus. For three days, the learners get to meet and see other clusters’ performances through various events that mainly featured Mindanaoan tribes.
However, the roughly one month of preparation was tedious – from the screening of participants, conceptualizing, crafting of props and costumes, photo and video shoots, and the practicing of routines. Also, not to mention the daily struggle in having to travel to and from the two campuses would be a mistake. In another light, a great fiesta experience always comes with glitches. While everyone certainly envisioned their efforts to echo the loudest among the eight fighting clusters, leadership and participation may heat up a few matters. For instance, a few heads have worked in behalf of supposedly hundreds of learners per team. Other conflicts were also found on the manner of delegating tasks, motivating members, and funding resources just to come up with exceptional outputs. The clash of responsibilities had put extreme weight upon the many, considering the time constraint and lack of budget. But this did not stop everyone involved from
having a shot at making memories. In the midst of these conflicts, learners were able to build deeper and meaningful relationships with others. Truly, the essence of the celebration can’t be seen only on what’s ahead of the preparation days. Hence, the dedication of each cluster manifested into outstanding results. As rehearsals filled every corner of the school during the preevent days, one can easily admit that everyone worked hard to give out the best performance possible. Despite having no “ates” and “kuyas” to look up to, both Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners were able to justify the word Magis. Without a doubt, the preparation had some people too worn out even before the day actually comes. The lesser sleep hours, pull-packed schedule, and the daily day-to-night rush could attest to it, yet the thrill was still there to finally witness the fruit of everyone’s hard work. Ateneans indeed exemplified good values even before the fiesta happened. After all, what should be instilled in one’s mind for this celebration is not the competition, but the sense of service and fellowship. Most importantly, the fiesta is a gathering to celebrate the name of Christ the King.
In this year’s edition of the Modelo Ateneo, Daniel Rempohito and Karla Pascual represented the Rome Cluster while at the same time embodying the unique culture, art and identity of the Maguindanaoan tribe. Supporting the Maguindanaoans for them means upholding the use of locally made products which can also be alternative materials in using plastics. The representatives from Rome not only aim to heighten the love for culture and arts but also try to carry out our responsibility to our common home through reducing plastic wastes.
Economic progress and commercial development; undeniably, these modern ideals overshadow the pillars that hold the identity of Mindanao and the rich cultures and traditions its people have lived by for generations. The Manresa Cluster’s advocacy focuses on the revival of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe’s culture through an immortalizing portable stall, which will sell handcrafted educational merchandise inspired by the art of the said tribe. As a tribe located within the vicinity of Davao’s trade and market, the cluster aims to weave the threads of traditional and modern archetypes. This advocacy is a manifestation of how Atenean core values honor the marginalized, respect the minority, and raise the pillars that were once the foundation of our very own Mindanao.
Our culture finds itself behind the sword of a xenophobic individuals who believe other cultures to be superior to their own. To address this, the Paris’ cluster’s advocacy focused on providing cultural immersion to the AdDU-SHS learners, particularly with the Obo-Manobo tribe. The Paris modelo representatives aim to enrich the knowledge and re-establish the roots of the Obo-Manobo tribe to the minds and hearts of the learners. This advocacy is aligned with the Ateneo’s mission to produce leaders especially for Mindanao who will defend and promote the importance of ethnic groups and preserve the culture and values that come with them.
As to what their cluster represents, James Philip Gica and Leia Ocampo of Barcelona lions roared with dominance during the Modelo Ateneo presenting the colors of the Tausug tribe. Bringing their support in upholding collective consciousness for the local’s welfare, the modelo representatives aim to heighten the awareness of the Ateneo community to protect the environment through lessening the use of single-use plastics. As alternative, the representatives wish to forward their cause to support local products made from communities in Mindanao.
Beyond the rubbles and remnants of war left by the siege of Marawi is a greater burden that cannot be solved by the mere construction of homes and infrastructures; a burden that can only be felt by the Maranaoans themselves for all they were put through at the height of the war. With that, the Pamplona cluster was compelled to create Project Pagtinabangay sa Pagbangon, an advocacy aimed at helping the Maranaoans restore Marawi through progressive programs and shining a light upon the struggles the tribe is constantly faced with through its various activities. Ultimately, what the advocacy wishes leave behind is something that transcends the physical-- something that is left in the hearts and minds of the Maranaoan children. That beyond Marawi there is hope and a future where they are something of significance.
Paving their way to carry out a journey to combat discrimination, the modelo of Salamanca cluster, Crizalyn M. Lumikid and Vic P. Arańas II, unleashed not only their beauty and brains, but also the power of their voices in mending difference for the indigenous people distinctly the Sama Badjao community. Supporting equality and righteous action, Lumikid and Araùas predominantly aimed to educate and uplift the spirits of their brothers and sisters. To boot, they additionally yearn for all Ateneans to explore the culture of the Badjao people.
Gwyneth Eloise Rojas and Arthur Andrade stormed the stage not only with their poise and projection but also with their serious message. Settling differences among individuals and seeking empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community became the hallmark of their Modelo Ateneo journey. Andrade spoke in behalf of the LGBTQ+ community as he bulldozed the stereotype of what a male role model should be -- a model who should be a hard-lined man by heart, exemplifying the toxic masculinity governing the world. Both representatives voiced out their hopes of attaining societal acceptance regardless of race, sexuality and tribe. That at the end of the long catwalk, it doesn’t matter what our sole differences are, it ultimately boils down to the certain inspiration we can evoke to others.
Kagan Tribe is the only Islamized Indigenous tribe in Davao City. Forefronting the consciousness about their tribe were Julia Trinidad and Kyle Gulfin whose advocacies are in correspondence to the school’s stance on uplifting the marginalized sectors of the society. In their project entitled: IPaglaban Mo: IPatigil, IPasara, IPatanggol, they aim to promote intellectual discourse among the Ateneo Community to protect and fortify the rights of the Indigenous Peoples from threats on deforestation, and military-perpetrated violence. Their goal is to preserve and enrich the tribes, not only in Mindanao but in the whole Philippines with the belief that it will serve as a solid bedrock in achieving the ever-elusive peace.
n e t k a d n I
a t s i n
By Jasper Arnilla, Dhenison Pallar, Sean Levi Abiera, Mariebella Annika Questo
Showcasing Mindanaoan Tribes and Honoring Their Cultures
With every pound of the dancers’ feet, with every wave of their hands, and the very beat of the music they all danced to left the Ateneo Senior High community with awe as they witnessed the first-ever Indaktenista competition. Inspired by the tribes of Mindanao, various performers from all eight clusters excellently showcased and honoured the tribes’ unique cultures and art through dancing. After the showcase of such talents from the performers representing their different clusters, three clusters emerged as the top performers in the competition. The Paris Cluster reigned as the champion for the Indaktenista with their heart-pounding performance which was inspired by the art and culture of the Obo Manobo tribe. The dance exhibited how they create gakit and salud as a means for living and how they use bamboos as weapons to defend their tribe from other tribes. Following in second place, the Rome cluster represented the peace-loving Maguindanao tribe for their entry in the Indaktenista in which they the portrayed a love story of a prince’s search for his princess express through a poetry of motions, tapestry of colors and cacophony of sounds. Lastly, the Manresa cluster, representing the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe, placed third with their astounding performance that showcased the transition of tribe from the violent “Pangayaw” or tribal war to living their peaceful lives with their untouched beautiful culture.
Ateneo
Superstar A Blast from the Past Mariebella Annika Questo
With an astounding ensemble of musical numbers showcasing Original Pinoy Music (OPM), the Ateneo Superstar event featured talented performers from the eight clusters who bestowed upon the audience the experience of reliving iconic throwback songs such as VST and Company’s “Rock Baby Rock” and Hotdog’s 1996 pop hit “Bongga Ka Day”. Divided into two categories, the Ateneo Superstar sought to uncover and highlight the superstar qualities of the clusters’ chosen performers through their skills and talents in singing both disco and ballad OPM songs. As the event progressed and the singers and dancers performed, what remained unforgettable was not essentially their musical prowess – it was the way as to how the audience sang along with every lyric and every note that they sung. Holding their smartphones up with flashlights lit, the audience swayed to and fro to ballads such as Gary Valenciano’s “Kailangan Kita” and Rey Valera’s “Pangako Sa’Yo”.
After all the songs were sung and all of the performers have taken a bow, three winners emerged victorious with their musical talents. The Barcelona Cluster took home the winning Ateneo Superstar title with learner Yanna Ignacio’s unforgettable renditions of “Bongga Ka Day” and “Akin Ka Na Lang”. Placing second to Ignacio, Rome cluster’s Rhoyd Pilapil won with his remarkable performances of “Hataw Na” and “Kailangan Kita” while Godwin Albarillo from the Pamplona Cluster bagged the third winning spot with his rendition of the songs “Rock Baby Rock” and “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana”. Indeed, the Ateneo Superstar event was a blast from the past – with the performers’ rendition of beloved iconic OPM songs and the spirit of nostalgia filling the air that have surely left the audience wanting for more.
Hymns of Engraved in its notes are words of worship and in its rests is faith.
In celebration of this year’s Fiesta, each of the eight competing cluster composed and performed songs of worship and serenaded the Senior High community during the celebration’s Faith Jam. Hailed as champions in the contest was the Manresa cluster with their entry entitled “Burn in Me,” a composition accentuating how faith, regardless of the religion that we identify ourselves with, unites us in glorifying the God that we call in many names. Following them was the Rome cluster with their
eye-opening rock ballad, “Ano’ng Ginagawa Mo?” featuring how the society have traded their humanity
Faith Putri Jihadah Zacaria
for worldly possessions and how egocentrism had failed them in realizing their purpose for others. Finally, finishing in the third spot was Paris as their entire cluster sang along to “Almighty� emphasizing how arts, culture, and service are embodiments of God’s glory, and every individual, of His love. Indeed, as the sticks struck the drums and the picks strummed the strings, faith again made Ateneo one despite being clustered.
PA G H A H A N D O G
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Celebrating compassion
Nicole Angeline Dasalla
In the middle of all the fiesta’s grandeur, the service and compassion of Senior High School learners surmounted during the Paghahandog 2018. In its second year, Pulsong Atenista and the Council of Class Presidents offered a simple gettogether with the Waan Community during the 2nd day of the fiesta. Children from Waan Elementary School had the time to enjoy, eat, play games and tour along the new campus with their ate’s and kuya’s. Smiles were all over the place as mothers played along too. As the fun time ended, the volunteers had a simple gift-giving where the children received school supplies while the parents went home with mini-grocery packages as well. Indeed, the best way of celebrating Christ the King is by giving back to the community. Cheers and yells from various events may have filled every corner of Ateneo Bangkal Campus, yet the smiles of the children and their life stories remained the loudest.
Post Fiesta Mary Veronica Quinto
All the smiles generously given and all the new friendships unexpectedly sewn were like cascades of waves on the endless horizon added with the exponential value of every shout and pride which stained all the corners of this year’s fiesta. Yet, just like every other episode in movies, this year’s fiesta has to end. What happens then during an end of every Atenean celebration? Restoration, this is where the janitors rekindle the cleanliness of our school grounds. This is where our goodbyes become their hellos.
Christ The King
O U R I N S P I R AT I O N O F FA I T H A N D S E R V I C E
Christ the King presents a picture not of religion but of compassion and goodness. The actions that create the most impact are those done for a purpose. What lies behind our joy and gratitude are our responsibilities to bring along with us the people who are left in the margins. This year, as Ateneo Senior High School celebrates its fiesta, the students carry along with them the baggage of the minority, marginalized, and oppressed. Celebrating Christ the King does not limit us to be faithful in one religion nor does it restrain us in looking to a one-dimensional faith. Rather, it calls us to embrace diversity like how Christ held on to the world’s differences, and it appeals to create a system of awareness that encourages an action through creative expressions. This notion puts us in a frame where we are imbibed to serve. Not necessarily directly but even through the simplest contributions like establishing a conversation with voices that were once not heard. The world is run by faith driven by beliefs that make up our actions. In the end, what counts most is how our actions reflect compassion and goodness to the world. A reflection that is not limited to only a belief but includes having the courage to extend this belief to action. Because in this world challenged by us, we remain to be the only hope to restore humanity through looking into the image of Christ, our inspiration of faith and service.
e h T gkal n a B rience e p Ex
” a b g n a g i a “K
The unusual division of campuses has always been a burden for both students and teachers as some of the events of the previous years were held at the AdDU Matina campus. This year, Ateneo added a new campus to its name – the AdDU-SHS campus in Bangkal, Davao City. Going to AdDU Bangkal for this year’s Christ the King Fiesta was quite a rollercoaster experience, with many ups and downs. What we experience in AdDU Jacinto is very far, even quite the opposite, from what I experienced in AdDU Bangkal. The humid air welcomed me as I entered the campus, opposite from the air-conditioned rooms that I was used to back in Jacinto. All was going well, until I needed to quench my thirst, and not find any drinking fountain anywhere. I remember, back in Jacinto, how water fountains are scattered in every corner around the campus. Then, finally, it was time for the events! Walking through the gymnasium was like strolling along the Sahara Desert – abog kaayo! As the events went on, I had a life-changing realization: maka-miss gyud diay ang Big Ass Fans. The fans that were always there to battle the humid weather in Martin Hall, hayyy, grabe maka-miss gud talaga! After the event, my stomach was rumbling because a lot of my cells underwent respiration just to give me energy to sustain this very hot and stressful day. When I went to the cafeteria, I saw people like flood victims lining up to claim their relief goods. Grabe ka-taas sa pila! It took more time lining up to buy food than actually eating my food. I was very hungry, thirsty, and my allergic rhinitis was killing me. However, I had a lot of a great time.
Ateneo always hosts the best events. From the “Good morning, Ateneo!”, “Good morning, Senior High!” to the Liga ng Atenistang Mananayaw (LIAM) dancing to ‘Kill the Lights’, Ateneo will always meet my expectations in everything that it does. Although there were a lot of gaps needed to be filled in the campus, one thing’s for sure – the Atenean spirit overflowed in every person that I met in the campus. I really had fun in this year’s fiesta, and I think that hosting this in Bangkal really made the experience more memorable. I also realized that after everything is done, this campus will be worth the wait. More than SHS students, dako sad ug potential ang SHS campus. More than the aircon, I saw a mission set by the school to save the environment. Truly, there is always more than being “mas sosyal”. This campus is a manifestation of Ateneans always willing to sacrifice to be men and women for the environment. Because there is beauty in this campus waiting to be revealed, like a caterpillar that I saw in one of the trees waiting for its time to bloom into a beautiful butterfly. Despite all the needs yet to be satisfied, I truly understood what Ateneo wanted us to realize in the diversity of its campuses: life is anything but a consistent ride, and through allowing us to immerse in different settings, Ateneo prepares us to face life, maski unsa pa ka-igang. Sincerely, A foreigner
As a student how did the Christ the King Fiesta make an impact to you?